State agencies, local governments request $2.8B for bonding projects

State agencies and local governments are seeking $2.8 billion for bonding projects from the Legislature in 2014. That’s more than three times as much as the $850 million target for capital investments that’s anticipated for the next legislative session.

The list of requests includes $126 million for the Capitol restoration project, an increase of more than $30 million over the initial estimate for rehabbing the century-old structure.

State agencies are requesting a total of $2.1 billion. Among the big ticket items: $56 million for remodeling the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, $81 million for the Southwest Corridor light rail transit line and $36 million for a science building at Metropolitan State University. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for $100 million for road improvement grants and $75 million to replace bridges.

Local governments are seeking nearly $700 million for bonding projects. That includes more than $60 million to expand and renovate civic centers in Mankato, St. Cloud and Rochester. Metro area requests include $25 million for restoration of the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis and $14 million for expansion of the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul.